What Even Is Creators Co-Lab? A Multi-Corporate Open Innovation Ecosystem

Creators Co-Lab is a multi-corporate open innovation program, run by AVL Creators, built by corporate entrepreneurs, for corporate entrepreneurs.

Our goal is simple: To build a self-sustaining, cross-industry innovation ecosystem where collaboration drives real outcomes.

We bring companies together to tackle real-world challenges that can’t be solved in isolation providing the setup, framework, trust, and mindset to make cross-industry innovation happen. Because we strongly believe: innovation doesn’t happen behind closed doors and definitely not alone.

How Does Creators Co-Lab Work?

We offer a clear, hands-on, structured (yet flexible) open innovation process facilitated by our expert team, but always shaped around the interests and priorities of the participating companies.

The program unfolds in three phases:

• Scouting Phase (pre-program, free of commitment)
• Explorer & Pioneering Phases (official program journey)

The community:

90+ companies are already part of our ecosystem. Every 10 months, around 10 form a new cohort, working on 4–5 cross-industry use cases. At Creators Co-Lab, we are open by design and the program is always tailored to the participants.

Scouting Phase: Testing the Waters

The Scouting Phase is our free, pre-program phase and one of the most important. This is where we build the program with the ecosystem shaping use cases and finding the right partners.

We start with a questionnaire sent to our 90+ ecosystem partners to discover trends, needs, and collaboration potential. Then come our key topic workshops moderated, hands-on sessions where we turn broad themes (like AI & Digitalization) into actionable use case ideas. These ideas are voted on by the companies themselves, ensuring the program addresses real challenges and priorities. Our team refines the outcomes into concrete, actionable proposals, which are then pitched back to the companies.

Companies get a feel for the Co-Lab mindset and process without committing. The official program is built around real needs, not assumptions.

Explorer & Pioneering Phases: From Problem to Business Case

Once companies join the official cohort, the work begins.

Explorer Phase (2 months):

Focus: defining the problem.
Companies choose their groups and use cases, guided by our moderators who facilitate alignment and ensure everyone speaks the same language. We involve stakeholders early to make sure the problem is clearly understood.

Pioneering Phase (2 months):

Focus: building the solution & business case.
We test assumptions, validate solutions, and craft a solid business case for the collaboration.

Graduation Event:

At the end of the 4 months, groups pitch their business case to top management from all participating companies to get feedback, buy-in, and next steps.

Not Always Perfect, But Always Progress

Does it always go smoothly?
Not really and that’s okay.

Success depends as much on structure and facilitation as it does on the willingness of participants to collaborate, adapt, and involve the right people at the right time. Sometimes the biggest wins are the learnings and connections made along the way even if the outcome isn’t what was initially envisioned.

A recent standout project is “IoT in a Box”, developed by Infineon Technologies, AVL, and A1 Telekom Austria Group, moderated by Raiffeisenlandesbank Oberösterreich AG. This solution helps startups manage and analyze large amounts of hardware and sensor data, a perfect example of how cross-industry collaboration can quickly uncover synergies and create tangible value.

Why Should Your Company Join?

If you already believe in cross-industry collaboration, this is your place. If you’re skeptical, join us, and let us prove you wrong.

We go beyond exchanging ideas - we turn them into action.You can even join the ecosystem without committing to the program; participating in free workshops and gaining insight into trends, topics, and collaboration opportunities.

And the best part? You’re in the driver’s seat:

• You shape the topics and use cases
• You decide whether to join the cohort
• You set the direction of the collaboration

What’s in it for you?

• Collaborate on topics where you’re still developing with a ready-made process and expert facilitation
• Showcase your company’s strengths and offerings
• Build business and visibility
• Access potential clients and partners

Now it’s time to stop reading and start talking. Let’s explore how your company can become part of Creators Co-Lab.

And hey if collaboration was always smooth, we’d probably be bored.
Don’t you think so?